Cheeseburger soup is a warm, hearty dish that blends the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy bowl of goodness. It’s packed with ground beef, cheese, and veggies for a satisfying meal!
I love how you can whip this up in no time and still feel cozy. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy having their favorite burger in soup form? Just grab some crackers, and you’re all set! 🍔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balanced fat content, which adds flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor to the soup! If you’re looking for a milder taste, mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack can be a good choice. Vegan cheeses can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for creaminess, but russets will also work. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower—just steam it separately and blend it into the soup for a creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but half-and-half or whole milk can be used if you want a lighter version. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
Making a creamy soup without lumps is essential for a smooth, enjoyable texture. The key step is preparing a roux, which thickens your soup and adds creaminess.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking until it thickens; don’t rush this step!
- Carefully combine this mixture into your simmering soup, stirring well to prevent lumps.
Trust me, slow and steady wins the race here for a silky result!
What’s the Best Way to Enhance the Flavor?
Besides the basics, adding extra seasonings can take your soup to the next level. Consider:
- Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Incorporating mustard or dill pickles as garnishes for that classic cheeseburger zing.
Play around with these extras until you find your perfect balance. Enjoy your delicious, cheeseburger-inspired soup!
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: diced pickles or a splash of yellow mustard for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10-15 minutes for prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, set aside around 45 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll be enjoying your comforting cheeseburger soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep your soup from being too greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes softened and you can smell the garlic—yum!
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Then, pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Get ready for that delicious smell!
4. Simmer Until Tender:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
5. Make the Roux:
While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
6. Create a Creamy Base:
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, keeping it smooth. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and is creamy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Combine Everything:
Slowly pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot, stirring gently until it’s all mixed in. Your soup should be getting creamy and rich!
8. Add the Cheddar:
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, making the soup even more luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, or green onions. Don’t forget the optional toppings of diced pickles or a splash of mustard if you like that classic cheeseburger flair!
10. Enjoy!
Scoop it up with a crusty bread roll or crackers on the side, and enjoy every bite of your delicious cheeseburger soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may have a milder flavor, so you might want to increase your seasoning slightly to enhance the soup’s taste.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace the heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious, creamy result.
What Should I Do If My Soup is Too Thick?
If your cheeseburger soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can simply add more beef broth or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may want to add a splash of broth or milk during reheating to restore its creamy texture.
